Wow.
Yep, according to a new survey of 1000 women by the women’s cancer charity The Eve Appeal, only half were able to accurately pinpoint the vagina on a medical diagram of the female reproductive system.
The charity also found that a third of 16 to 25-year-old girls had avoided going to their doctor about gynaecological issues due to embarrassment.
And it gets worse… 65% said they have a problem using the words vagina or vulva, and nearly 40% resort to using names like ‘lady parts’ or ‘women’s bits’ instead.
Helena Morrissey, Chairman of The Eve Appeal, said: “At the Eve Appeal we know how important it is to promote straight talking about the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers to women of all ages, and this survey has highlighted just how far we still have to go to make this happen.
“These cancers have some of the worst outcomes for women, with a 40% mortality rate. Understanding the symptoms will save lives, which is why we are urging women this Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month to talk more openly about these life-saving issues.”
To learn more about the five forms of gynaecological cancer and the symptoms visit www.eveappeal.org.uk.
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